Remember, remember, the 5th of November… And the 7th too, come to think of it. Because it’s that time of year again when we celebrate all things sparkly, whizzy and generally explodey – and London does it better than anywhere else. Here’s where to head for a better quality of ‘oooh, ahhh’.

EAST: Victoria Park Fireworks light up the skies while you sip mulled wine from the food stalls. Good deal. 7 Nov, free.

WEST: The Wimbledon Park Fireworks has two displays – one that’s not suitable for kids. Worth it surely to discover what ‘adult fireworks’ entail… 5 Nov, £10.

Getty
/ Unknown

01Of08

SHOPPING: First Thursdays

What we love about Old Spitalfields Market: its mix of eclectic independent stalls, designer boutiques and hip high-street stores. What we don't love about Old Spitalfields Market: the fact that, as a worker bee, our office hours mean we rarely get to go. But wait! That's all about to change thanks to First Thursdays. Happening, somewhat inevitably, on the first Thursday of each month, not only is the market itself staying open late for the first time, but stores will be treating us to special offers and discounts (20% off at Dr Martens, you say?). Plus there are complimentary cocktails to be had, live music to be listened to and a street food alley to explore. It all kicks off tonight – what’s not to love? Now, nothing.

Remember, remember, the 5th of November… And the 7th too, come to think of it. Because it’s that time of year again when we celebrate all things sparkly, whizzy and generally explodey – and London does it better than anywhere else. Here’s where to head for a better quality of ‘oooh, ahhh’.

EAST: Victoria Park Fireworks light up the skies while you sip mulled wine from the food stalls. Good deal. 7 Nov, free.

WEST: The Wimbledon Park Fireworks has two displays – one that’s not suitable for kids. Worth it surely to discover what ‘adult fireworks’ entail… 5 Nov, £10.

GettyUnknown

2Of8

SHOPPING: First Thursdays

What we love about Old Spitalfields Market: its mix of eclectic independent stalls, designer boutiques and hip high-street stores. What we don't love about Old Spitalfields Market: the fact that, as a worker bee, our office hours mean we rarely get to go. But wait! That's all about to change thanks to First Thursdays. Happening, somewhat inevitably, on the first Thursday of each month, not only is the market itself staying open late for the first time, but stores will be treating us to special offers and discounts (20% off at Dr Martens, you say?). Plus there are complimentary cocktails to be had, live music to be listened to and a street food alley to explore. It all kicks off tonight – what’s not to love? Now, nothing.

Here’s a film that will interest you if: 1. You remember the heady days of ’90s Britpop; 2. You liked American Psycho; or 3. You’d like to stare at the rather lovely Nicholas Hoult for 103 minutes. But be warned: in this brutal adaptation of John Niven’s cult novel, Mr Hoult’s character is far, far from lovely, as item 2 on the list may suggest. He stars as Steven Stelfox, a booze ’n’ drugs ’n’ just plain-psychosis-fuelled music industry exec, manically set on reaching the top back in the day when expense accounts were big and morals seemingly non-existent. Cue bad people doing bad things to other bad people – but to a rather fine ’90s soundtrack.

Out 6 November nationwide

Rex FeaturesUnknown

4Of8

FOOD: Hoppers

Warning – Soho’s new Sri Lankan restaurant requires us to do a little translation. Foodies: all we need tell you about it is that it comes from the brains behind Bao, Lyle’s and Gymkhana. And those of you not fluent in London restaurantese, know this: not only is Sri Lankan cuisine ridiculously tasty (hot butter devilled shrimp, lobster omelette, duck roti and, of course, hoppers – pancakes made with rice batter and served with curries), but this hip yet laid-back new outpost serves up authentic cocktails made with genever and arack, and all for a ‘what, REALLY?’ reasonable price. Foodies: it’s a no-bookings establishment. Translation: start queuing, like, now.

This 12-hour-long shindig may be run by Mexican restaurant chain Wahaca, but don’t go thinking it’s all tacos and tequila. In fact, the Tobacco Dock fiesta has a live music bill topped by The Horrors, Crystal Fighters and Savages, a mortality-themed exhibition curated by the Saatchi Gallery, live street art by political muralists Lapiztola, talks and debates, a Mexican market and even a live arena for the spandex-clad spectacle that is Lucha Libre wrestling. And yes, OK, there will be Mexican food and drink. Possibly involving tacos. And tequila.

My, hasn’t Barrio Shoreditch grown? Seems only yesterday it was a twinkle in Barrio North’s eye – setting out to bring a quirky mix of Latina American cocktails and cantina to the east end of town. And now it’s turning three! Calls for some celebrating, we thinks. Cue the biggest ever edition of its Retrolicious club night, featuring electro-swing dancers, funk and soul sounds, birthday-themed pinatas, vintage costumes and a tequila luge (gulp), not to mention the specialty Latino cocktails that have done us all proud for the last three years. Ah shucks, it all just goes so by fast when they’re young, doesn't it?

This winter has been unusually warm so far. But this must not get in the way of wrapping up, eating street food and sipping hot alcoholic drinks! (Rule of thumb: mulled anything = a good thing.) And you know where it definitely isn't warm? Scandinavia. All of which means the best thing to do is head down to new foodie market Little Feast. Because not only is this covered Shepherd's Bush yard hosting the likes of Sticky Beak (slow-roasted pork), Cheeky Burger (oh, the Wagyu) and Butter & Scotch (waffles, people, WAFFLES), plus bars selling all manner of mulled delights – the whole thing has a Scandi-cool theme. Yup, there’s an enchanted forest and a Norwegian-style fishing cabin and everything. Which all means that you can don your finest Sarah Lund jumper, enjoy festive food and knock back a steaming hot cider. Even if it is 15 degrees outside.

There is nothing ELLE loves more than prepping for a wedding – the dress! the venue! the favours! the food! …. and the Quintessentially Altelier is the last word in high end creative ideas for your big day. All the major players will be there – Chanel, Westwood, La Perla …plus cool extras like photo booth hire, music consultants, and our friends at Mr & Mrs Smith for honeymoon /wedding venue ideas.

Nov 6 - 8th. Tickets £35pp, and for an additional price of £30 pp, Claridge’s is offering a tasting of its amazing Afternoon Tea

Newsletter sign-up

The ELLE take on everything that’s trending in your world – shopping, beauty and celebrity news, and in–depth reads – direct to your inbox every Wednesday.

Sign up to ELLE Notes today.

Enter your email address:
Please tick if you would prefer not to receive news & special offers from Hearst Magazines UK, publisher of ELLE.
Please tick if you would like to receive news & special offers from selected partners of Hearst Magazines UK.